AFCON 2021 waves hit Panthers of Gabon

The 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations’ preparatory waves have hit Gabon. 30 Panthers have been named in a provisional squad steered by skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Frenchman Patrice Neveu unveiled the squad at a press conference in political capital Libreville on Saturday 18 December.

Experienced Bruno Manga, Lloyd Palun, Denis Bouanga all make the cut, but for Didier Ndong and most-capped player, Didier Ovono, who were left out of the tentative squad.

The list has four goalkeepers, eleven defenders, seven midfielders and eight forwards.

Full List:

Goalkeepers: Anthony M’fa Mezui, Jean Noel Amonome, Donald Nze, Fotso Junior

Defenders: Musavu King, Lloyd Palun, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Johann Obiang, Sydney Obissa, David Sambissa, Yannis Ngakoutou, Ebane Wilfried, Nguema Gilchrist, Ebane Wilfried, Akue Assoumou

Midfielders: André Biyogho Poko, Alex Moucketou, Kanga Kaku Gelor, Mario lemina, Autchanga Louis, Medwin Biteghe, Ngouali Martisso

Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Aaron Salem Boupendza, Denis Bouanga, Jim Allevinah, Eneme Ella Ulrich, Fadh Nzengue, Mayi Kevin and Axel Meye

Neveu’s men will be heading to Dubai where preparations for their eight AFCON open on December 27. The camp features two friendlies, one against the local selection of Uganda and another undisclosed opponent.

Gabon return to the continental showpiece after missing out on the 2019 edition in Egypt. They will open their Group C campaign against debutants Comoros at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on January 10.

Gabon will then confront four-time champions Ghana, before capping off on January 18 against 1976 Champions Morocco.

The Central Africans reached the quarter-final of the 1996 and 2012 editions, their best contest so far.

Photos @ Fegafoot-Gabon